A customized configuration of controls on a dynamic keyboard is provided for an application using a control configuration file separate from the application. The control configuration file includes a control configuration for each custom control and a layout description. Each control configuration includes a visual description and a command description for a corresponding custom control. The visual description provides data regarding visual aspects of the custom control, while the command description includes data regarding behavioral aspects of the custom control. The layout description includes data for positioning visual representations of the custom controls on a dynamic keyboard. When the application is launched, a storage location is scanned to identify the control configuration file, and the control configuration file is used to configure the custom controls on the dynamic keyboard.